US20160271869A1 - Device for printing a three-dimensional structure - Google Patents

Device for printing a three-dimensional structure Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20160271869A1
US20160271869A1 US15/029,477 US201415029477A US2016271869A1 US 20160271869 A1 US20160271869 A1 US 20160271869A1 US 201415029477 A US201415029477 A US 201415029477A US 2016271869 A1 US2016271869 A1 US 2016271869A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
printing
substrate
mean
droplets
dimensional structure
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US15/029,477
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Richard van de Vrie
Joris Biskop
Ricardo Blomaard
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Luxexcel Holding BV
Original Assignee
Luxexcel Holding BV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Luxexcel Holding BV filed Critical Luxexcel Holding BV
Assigned to LUXEXCEL HOLDING B.V. reassignment LUXEXCEL HOLDING B.V. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: Van de Vrie, Richard, BISKOP, Joris, BLOMAARD, Ricardo
Publication of US20160271869A1 publication Critical patent/US20160271869A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C64/00—Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
    • B29C64/30—Auxiliary operations or equipment
    • B29C64/386—Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing
    • B29C67/007—
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C64/00—Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
    • B29C64/10—Processes of additive manufacturing
    • B29C64/106—Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material
    • B29C64/112—Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material using individual droplets, e.g. from jetting heads
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C64/00—Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
    • B29C64/10—Processes of additive manufacturing
    • B29C64/106—Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material
    • B29C64/124—Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material using layers of liquid which are selectively solidified
    • B29C64/129—Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material using layers of liquid which are selectively solidified characterised by the energy source therefor, e.g. by global irradiation combined with a mask
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C64/00—Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
    • B29C64/20—Apparatus for additive manufacturing; Details thereof or accessories therefor
    • B29C64/25—Housings, e.g. machine housings
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C64/00—Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
    • B29C64/30—Auxiliary operations or equipment
    • B29C64/364—Conditioning of environment
    • B29C67/0059—
    • B29C67/0085—
    • B29C67/0088—
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B33—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
    • B33Y—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3-D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3-D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING
    • B33Y40/00—Auxiliary operations or equipment, e.g. for material handling
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B33—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
    • B33Y—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3-D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3-D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING
    • B33Y10/00—Processes of additive manufacturing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B33—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
    • B33Y—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3-D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3-D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING
    • B33Y30/00—Apparatus for additive manufacturing; Details thereof or accessories therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B33—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
    • B33Y—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3-D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3-D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING
    • B33Y40/00—Auxiliary operations or equipment, e.g. for material handling
    • B33Y40/20—Post-treatment, e.g. curing, coating or polishing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B33—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
    • B33Y—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3-D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3-D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING
    • B33Y50/00—Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing
    • B33Y50/02—Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B33—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
    • B33Y—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3-D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3-D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING
    • B33Y80/00—Products made by additive manufacturing

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for printing three-dimensional structures, wherein droplets of printing material are deposited onto a substrate.
  • Such devices comprise usually a printing head that ejects droplets, wherein the printing head scans the substrate several times in order to build up the three-dimensional structure layer by layer.
  • a device for printing a three-dimensional structure should also fulfill safety requirements and protect objects and persons from damage that could be caused by at least one component of the 3D-printer, in particular the UV-light usually used for curing the deposited droplets. It is also desirable to improve the quality of the produced three-dimensional structure. In particular improvements could be related to the accuracy of depositing droplets onto the substrate during the printing process. Inaccuracies may raise from deviations in the absolute positional accuracy of the print head caused by movement changes that accumulate and lead to increasing errors in droplet positions in the end of the printing progress, for instance.
  • the object is solved by a device for printing a three-dimensional structure by depositing droplets of printing material onto a substrate, wherein the device for printing a three-dimensional structure comprises a locally fixed framework and a mean for moving the substrate, wherein the locally fixed framework comprises a printing mean for depositing the droplets onto the substrate and the mean for moving the substrate is configured such that the substrate is movable relative to the locally fixed framework.
  • the printing mean comprises a print head, i.e. nozzles for depositing droplets of printing material.
  • Using the device for printing the three-dimensional structure according to the present invention enables determination of the position of the deposited droplets, i. e. the positioning of the deposited droplets, by changing the position of the substrate with respect to the printing mean mainly. As a result deviations of the print mean position caused by movement changes cannot accumulate and consequently the accuracy of positioning the deposited droplets is improved. It is also conceivable that the position of the substrate is monitored by a detection mean and subsequently the position of the substrate is corrected as soon as the current position of the substrate deviates from the position the substrate should have.
  • the device is configured such that the three-dimensional structure is realized after a single pass of the substrate with respect to the printing mean.
  • a produced defect does not affect the subsequent printing process compared to a device that produces the three-dimensional structure layer by layer and therefore the shape of the layer depends on the shape of the previous layer, in particular on potential defect produced by forming the previous layer.
  • the locally fixed framework is constructed as an arch, covering the region at which the printing process takes place.
  • the locally fixed framework protects the printing process from being affected by surroundings at least partially.
  • the locally fixed framework is tube like shaped and the printing mean is arranged inside the tube surrounding the substrate.
  • the mean for moving the substrate comprise a plate, wherein the substrate is arranged on top of the plate during the printing process.
  • the substrate may be permanently fixed to the mean for moving the substrate.
  • the plate comprises vacuum micropores and/or a ceramic plate.
  • the means for moving the substrate comprise guiding means that support accurate positioning of the substrate during the printing process. For instance stoppers, rollers and/or a rail system are arranged on the plate provided for positioning the substrate precisely.
  • the printing mean is arranged to the locally fixed framework such that the distance between the substrate and the printing mean is variable.
  • the accuracy of positing the droplets is further improved whenever the distance between the substrate and the printing mean is reduced during the depositing process.
  • the deposited particles may be distributed over a smaller area or region compared to deposited particles distributed by a printing head being more distanced from the substrate.
  • the means for moving the substrate and/or the printing head are configured such that the mean for moving the substrate and/or the printing head causes or determinates the positioning of the droplets deposited onto the substrate.
  • the mean for moving the substrate is configured to move the substrate to that position relative to the printing mean along the printing direction, which is provided for depositing the droplets of printing material.
  • the printing mean moves slowly along the printing direction. It is also thinkable that the movement of the substrate may also be changed in speed in order to generate a layer of printing material having a variable height, provided the number of droplets per time ejected by the printing mean stays constant mainly.
  • the device for printing the three-dimensional structure configured according to the present embodiment facilities a plurality of different and individually adapted methods for depositing droplets onto the substrate.
  • the locally fixed framework comprises a tank including printing material, wherein the tank is configured such that the tank supplies the printing mean with printing material and wherein the tank is connected reversibly or interchangeably to the locally fixed framework.
  • Integrating the tank into the locally fixed framework has the advantage of guaranteeing a permanent supply of printing material to the printing mean without moving the tank during the printing process. Consequently it is possible to reduce the amount of energy needed for using the device for printing the three-dimensional structure. Avoiding the movement of the tank during the printing process may particularly advantageous whenever a three-dimensional structure is intended to be generated that needs a big amount of printing material being deposited without interruption of the printing process (maybe caused by refilling or reloading printing material).
  • the tank is connected to the locally fixed framework reversibly or interchangeably, since the tank, in particular in dependency of its content or its size, may be replaced by another tank in order to adapt the tank to the printing process.
  • the tank has a capacity up to 6 liters.
  • the fixed framework comprises a plurality of tanks including different printing material respectively.
  • the fixed framework also comprises a premix chamber, wherein the premix chamber is configured such that a first printing material out of a first tank is mixed with a second printing material out of a second tank.
  • the second tank includes a material for mixing with the first printing material, wherein the material for mixing with the first printing material changes the properties of the first printing material advantageously.
  • the material for mixing dilutes the first printing material.
  • the printing material in the premix chamber is used for realizing the three-dimensional structure.
  • the tank or the plurality of tanks is configured such that the printing material is changeable during the printing process.
  • the fixed framework and/or the printing means are designed such that the printing mean is cleaned, in particular the printing mean is cleaned on the flight during the printing process.
  • the second tank or a cleaning device mounted to the fixed framework includes a cleaning solution that cleans the printing mean.
  • the printing mean comprises a print head and is configured such that the printing material is released from the printing mean permanently in order to avoid a blocking of the nozzles for instance.
  • the substrate comprises a waste tank that collects a part of the printing material that is not intended for creating the three-dimensional structure. Moreover the waste tank is able to recirculate printing material back to the tank or the printing mean for releasing printing material from the printing mean permanently.
  • the printing head which is included in the printing mean, is configured such that the printing material is recirculated inside the print head in order to avoid drying of the printing material inside the printing head. It is also thinkable that the printing material includes particles made from metal.
  • the printing mean in particular the printing head, comprises pumping and/or filtering devices for manipulating the printing material.
  • the tank and/or the printing means are configured such that the droplets of printing material are released from the printing mean with a constant pressure. Consequently the deposition of the droplets of the printing material is substantially reproducible.
  • the tank or the printing mean comprises a device for observing and controlling the pressure. It is also thinkable that a flow of the printing material in the printing mean, in particular in its printing head, is controlled.
  • the framework comprises a light source for curing the deposited droplets of printing material, wherein the light source is connected reversibly or interchangeably to the locally fixed framework.
  • the light source is provided for curing the deposited droplets and is arranged such that a light cone of the light source is directed to the substrate, in particular to the droplets on the substrate.
  • the light sources are arranged such that no light encounters the printing head in order to avoid curing droplets that provided for ejection. Such an arrangement may reduce the probability of blocking a nozzle that is intended for ejecting the droplets of printing material. Due to a reversible connection between the locally fixed framework and the light source the light source is interchangeable and may advantageously adapted to the printing process individually.
  • the mean for moving the substrate is attached to the locally fixed framework.
  • the probability is reduced that the locally fixed framework and the mean for moving the substrate are shifted to each other.
  • the stability for positioning the substrate relative to the printing head is improved.
  • the mean for moving the substrate is connected to the locally fixed framework reversibly or interchangeably.
  • the mean for moving the substrate is configured such that the substrate rotates about an axis perpendicular to the transport direction. Preferably an angle of rotation of the substrate is between 0° and 90°.
  • the substrate passes the fixed framework several times and after each pass the substrate rotates around a specific angle, for example 90°.
  • the substrate is heated or cooled in order to improve the curing process of the printing material.
  • the device for printing a three-dimensional structure comprises an encapsulation, wherein the encapsulation surrounds at least a part of the locally fixed framework, the means for moving the substrate and/or the substrate, wherein the encapsulation is configured such that light is blocked by the encapsulation.
  • an encapsulation may protect the substrate, the printing process the three-dimensional structure, the mean for moving the substrate and/or the device of printing the three-dimensional structure from being affected by surroundings that could interfere with the components of the device for printing the three-dimensional structure.
  • a preferably environment for printing a three-dimensional structure of high quality is provided.
  • the encapsulation blocks light, in particular UV- or IR-light, and therefore the encapsulation can prevent humans and/or objects from being damaged by UV- or IR-light emitted, reflected and/or scattered from the device for printing the three-dimensional structure advantageously.
  • the encapsulation may be coated by a coating, in particular a UV or IR-grade coating, that guarantees blocking the light intended for curing the deposited droplets. It is also conceivable that the encapsulation is coated such that the light is reflected from the wall of the encapsulation to the droplets of printing material on the substrate. The reflected light supports the printing process and the amount of energy for producing the three-dimensional structure is reduced positively. It is also thinkable that printing material is cured by an electron beam and the encapsulation protects the surrounding from the electron beam.
  • the encapsulation forms a cleanroom including the substrate, the locally fixed framework and the means for moving the substrate.
  • a cleanroom has the advantage that the printing process is isolated from the surrounding that may affect the printing process negatively.
  • the cleanroom is filled with a gas, such as nitrogen or oxygen, that may affect the printing process positively.
  • the dosage of the gas is adjusted such that the curing is accelerated or decelerated.
  • the dosage and/or the type of the gas is changed during the printing process.
  • the pressure within the cleanroom is adapted to the printing process. In particular it is herewith advantageously possible to adapt easily the parameters of the environment such as temperature, humidity or air pressure to those desired for the printing process individually.
  • the cleanroom comprises a cleaning device that is configured such that the substrate is cleaned before the droplets of printing material are deposited onto the substrate.
  • the device for printing a three-dimensional structure comprises a coating device that coats the substrate and/or the three-dimensional structure.
  • the coating device pre-coats the substrate before the droplets of the printing material are deposited onto the substrate.
  • Another subject of the present invention is a method for printing a three-dimensional structure using a device as it is described above, wherein the substrate is moved relative to the locally fixed framework.
  • the three-dimensional structure is printed in a single pass.
  • the single pass corresponds to one pass or scan of the substrate with respect to the substrate.
  • Using such a method for printing has the advantage that the deposition of the droplets does not depend on defects that were made in a previous step of the printing process. For instance it is conceivable that a layer is generated with a vacancy erroneously. The deposited droplets of the next layer may fill the vacancy before the droplets are cured. Consequently the vacancy may keep up and the size of the defect may even grow till the last layer is deposited for forming the three-dimensional structure. As a result the defects may be on the surface of the final three-dimensional structure and reduce therefore the quality of the produces three-dimensional structure disadvantageously.
  • This potential source of error may be circumvented by producing three-dimensional structure in a single pass according to the present invention, advantageously.
  • the droplets of printing material are deposited onto the substrate in a first step and the droplets of the printing material are cured in a second step, wherein the printing head is moved along the printing direction during the first step and wherein the printing head is removed along the direction opposed to the printing direction.
  • the printing process is accelerated and the efficiency improved since the droplets are deposited and cured by the printing head moving forward and backward only once.
  • the printing process in a third step the printing process is observed by the sensor mean, in a forth step the printing process is configured in dependency of the observation made in the third step and in a fifth step the three-dimensional structure is coated.
  • the printing process the three-dimensional structure is monitored and corrected in a positive manner, whenever the printing process leads to a defect that may impair the quality of the final three-dimensional structure.
  • the coating process according to the fifth step enables manipulating the surface of the three-dimensional structure with respect to its color or other properties.
  • Another subject of the present invention is a printed article, printed with a method descripted above.
  • the printing article takes advantage of the positive effects of the methods descripted above.
  • FIG. 1 shows a device for printing a three-dimensional structure according to a first exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 shows a profile of a device for a printing a three a three-dimensional structure according to a second exemplary embodiment.
  • FIGS. 3 a . 3 b and 3 c respectively show snapshots of the device for a printing the three a three-dimensional structure according to the second exemplary embodiment during the printing process, wherein the device is illustrated in a top view.
  • FIG. 4 show an exemplary printing head used by device for printing a three-dimensional structure according to a third exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 a first exemplary embodiment of a device for printing a three-dimensional structure according to the present invention is illustrated.
  • the device 1 is provided for depositing droplets of a printing material onto a substrate 3 , wherein the device 1 comprises a locally fixed framework 10 and a mean for moving the substrate 3 relative to the locally fixed framework 10 .
  • FIG. 1 shows a locally fixed framework 10 substantially forming an arch, wherein it is provided that the substrate 3 is moved through the arch such that the droplets of printing material can be deposited onto the substrate 3 . In such a scenario the arch forms a feedthrough.
  • the locally fixed framework 10 has a printing head 20 that drops the droplets 70 onto the substrate.
  • the printing head 20 is connected to a tank 5 or reservoir of printing material integrated in the locally fixed framework such that the printing head gets its printing material form the tank 5 or reservoir of printing material.
  • the printing head 20 is supplied by printing material during the whole printing process.
  • Another advantage of integrating the tank 5 to the locally fixed framework 10 is that it is not necessary to move the tank 5 during the printing process. Consequently energy is saved that may be needed for the movement of a heavy tank 5 including the printing material. It is also thinkable that no fluidic pressure valves are needed.
  • one or more light sources are incorporated in the locally fixed framework 10 , wherein it is provided that the light sources, in particular UV-light sources, cure the deposited droplets by illuminating the deposited droplets.
  • the printing head 20 is movable relative to the locally fixed framework, such that the distance between substrate 3 and printing head 20 is changeable. In particular it is possible to reduce the distance between substrate 3 and printing head 20 in order to improve the accuracy of depositing droplets of printing material onto the substrate 3 .
  • Such a movement of the printing head 20 relative to the locally fixed framework 10 may be realized by a height adjuster 13 .
  • the printing head 20 and the tank 5 are linked by a flexible innertube 6 in order to guarantee the supply of printing material during the printing process.
  • the locally fixed framework 10 is composed of elements such as the tank 5 or a light source for curing the deposited droplets.
  • the substrate 3 is moved relative to the locally fixed framework 10 .
  • the substrate 3 has a main plane and the substrate 3 is moved in a direction parallel to the main plane, wherein the movement of the substrate relative to the locally fixed framework is designated for positioning the droplets onto the substrate and passing the printing head.
  • the substrate moves mainly along a transport direction A, wherein the transport direction A is directed such that the substrate 3 passes the printing head 20 .
  • the substrate 3 is moved along a printing direction B being perpendicular to the transport direction A.
  • the movement along printing direction B causes the form of the three-dimensional structure at least partially, whereas the movement of the substrate 3 along the transport direction A guarantees that the substrate 3 passes the printing head 20 .
  • the droplets are deposited during the movement of the substrate and/or the deposited after a movement of the substrate.
  • the device comprises a mean for moving the substrate 11 .
  • the mean for moving the substrate comprises a plate, wherein the substrate is arranged on top of the plate.
  • Such a plate may comprise vacuum micropores and/or a ceramic plate.
  • the plate includes also devices for moving the substrate controllably such as roller or guide rails.
  • the substrate is moved direct or indirectly by the means for moving the substrate 11 or that the substrate 3 is integrated in the mean for moving the substrate, wherein the three-dimensional structure 3 is removed from the substrate after the printing process and the substrate 3 is reused subsequently for the next printing process.
  • the substrate 3 is part of the three-dimensional structure 2 and the mean for moving the substrate 11 is adapted to the shape of the substrate 11 .
  • the three-dimensional structure is printed in a single pass, i. e. the substrate passes the printing head only once during the printing process.
  • FIG. 2 a side view of a second exemplary embodiment of a device for printing a three-dimensional structure according to the present invention is illustrated.
  • the substrate 3 is moved along the transport direction A.
  • the three-dimensional structure 2 is generated formed by the deposited droplets.
  • the locally fixed framework 10 is directly connected to a floor 4 .
  • the mean for moving the substrate 3 is attached to the locally fixed framework 10 and guarantees that the substrate 3 passes the printing head 20 .
  • the movement of the substrate 3 is restricted to the transport direction B and the positioning of the droplets may be realized by nozzles of the printing head 20 .
  • the printing head 20 is configured such that nozzles may eject droplets of printing material individually and in dependence of the position of the substrate 3 with respect to the printing head 20 and/or the printing head is movable in the printing direction B.
  • the printing direction B is perpendicular to the transport direction and parallel to the main plane of the substrate 3 .
  • the device 1 for printing the three-dimensional structure is surrounded by an encapsulation 30 at least partially.
  • the device for printing the three-dimensional structure 11 is surrounded by an encapsulation completely. In such a scenario it is possible to realize a cleanroom for the device 1 for printing the three-dimensional structure.
  • the encapsulation is configured such that the inside of the encapsulation is isolated from the environment surrounding the device for printing material. Moreover it is also thinkable to realize a cleanroom that is fillable with a gas, in particular a gas that improves the curing process. In particular the dosage of the gas is adapted for optimizing the curing process individually. In some cases it may helpful to realize a specific pressure inside the cleanroom in order to optimize the printing process. Further it is preferably provided that the encapsulation 30 is configured such that light cannot transmit through the encapsulation. As a result the light intended for curing the droplets stays within the printing head encapsulation 30 and cannot interfere with the surroundings of the encapsulation 30 negatively.
  • the light in particular UV-light, may damage items or persons, whenever light is reflected or scattered from the device 10 to those items or persons. Consequently the encapsulation 30 realizes a safety device advantageously.
  • a coating 31 is a UV grade coating.
  • the coating 31 is realized such that the light is reflected or scattered to the droplets deposited on the substrate 3 and therefore supports the curing process consequently
  • FIGS. 3 a , 3 b and 3 c illustrate snapshots of the device for a printing the three a three-dimensional structure according to the second exemplary embodiment during the printing process, wherein the device is illustrated in a top view.
  • FIG. 3 a shows the device 1 for printing a three-dimensional structure and the substrate 3 at that time the printing process starts and no three-dimensional structure 2 is observable. Subsequently the droplets are deposited on the substrate 3 and the substrate 3 is moved along the transport direction A. As a result a three-dimensional structure is observable in FIG. 3 b .
  • the three-dimensional structure 1 continues growing further in a direction parallel to the transport direction A as it is show in the snapshot of the printing process in FIG. 3 c .
  • the printing process is finished after the substrate 3 completely passed the printing mean 20 for the first time. In such a scenario the three-dimensional structure 3 grows in a direction perpendicular to the printing direction B and parallel to the transport direction A.
  • FIG. 4 a top view of an exemplary printing mean 20 of a device 1 for printing a three-dimensional structure according to the present invention is illustrated. More precisely the side of the print mean 20 facing the substrate 3 during the printing process is shown.
  • the printing mean 20 comprises components, wherein each component is removable and/or replaceable individually, i.e. the components are modular. In particular the components differ from each other.
  • a printing mean 20 may have the following modular or interchangeable components:

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Coating Apparatus (AREA)
US15/029,477 2013-10-17 2014-10-13 Device for printing a three-dimensional structure Abandoned US20160271869A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP13189085.7 2013-10-17
EP13189085 2013-10-17
PCT/EP2014/071830 WO2015055550A1 (fr) 2013-10-17 2014-10-13 Dispositif d'impression d'une structure tridimensionnelle

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20160271869A1 true US20160271869A1 (en) 2016-09-22

Family

ID=49378164

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US15/029,477 Abandoned US20160271869A1 (en) 2013-10-17 2014-10-13 Device for printing a three-dimensional structure

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20160271869A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP3057775A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2015055550A1 (fr)

Cited By (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20180126634A1 (en) * 2016-11-10 2018-05-10 MTU Aero Engines AG Method for enhancing the finish of additively-manufactured components
US10214003B2 (en) * 2016-09-02 2019-02-26 Xyzprinting, Inc. 3D printing method implemented by movable platform
US10575925B2 (en) * 2017-05-19 2020-03-03 Structo Pte Ltd Method and apparatus for forming an orthodontic aligner
US20210206983A1 (en) * 2020-01-07 2021-07-08 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Reversible aminal gel compositions, methods, and use in three-dimensional printing
US11370185B2 (en) 2018-01-11 2022-06-28 E-Vision Smart Optics, Inc. Three-dimensional (3D) printing of electro-active lenses
US11446788B2 (en) 2014-10-17 2022-09-20 Applied Materials, Inc. Precursor formulations for polishing pads produced by an additive manufacturing process
US11471999B2 (en) 2017-07-26 2022-10-18 Applied Materials, Inc. Integrated abrasive polishing pads and manufacturing methods
US11524384B2 (en) 2017-08-07 2022-12-13 Applied Materials, Inc. Abrasive delivery polishing pads and manufacturing methods thereof
US11633908B2 (en) * 2018-03-02 2023-04-25 Formlabs, Inc. Latent cure resins and related methods
US11685014B2 (en) 2018-09-04 2023-06-27 Applied Materials, Inc. Formulations for advanced polishing pads
US11724362B2 (en) 2014-10-17 2023-08-15 Applied Materials, Inc. Polishing pads produced by an additive manufacturing process
US11745302B2 (en) 2014-10-17 2023-09-05 Applied Materials, Inc. Methods and precursor formulations for forming advanced polishing pads by use of an additive manufacturing process
US11772229B2 (en) 2016-01-19 2023-10-03 Applied Materials, Inc. Method and apparatus for forming porous advanced polishing pads using an additive manufacturing process
US11806829B2 (en) 2020-06-19 2023-11-07 Applied Materials, Inc. Advanced polishing pads and related polishing pad manufacturing methods
US11878389B2 (en) 2021-02-10 2024-01-23 Applied Materials, Inc. Structures formed using an additive manufacturing process for regenerating surface texture in situ
US11958162B2 (en) 2014-10-17 2024-04-16 Applied Materials, Inc. CMP pad construction with composite material properties using additive manufacturing processes
US11964359B2 (en) 2015-10-30 2024-04-23 Applied Materials, Inc. Apparatus and method of forming a polishing article that has a desired zeta potential
US11986922B2 (en) 2015-11-06 2024-05-21 Applied Materials, Inc. Techniques for combining CMP process tracking data with 3D printed CMP consumables

Families Citing this family (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10399201B2 (en) 2014-10-17 2019-09-03 Applied Materials, Inc. Advanced polishing pads having compositional gradients by use of an additive manufacturing process
US10821573B2 (en) 2014-10-17 2020-11-03 Applied Materials, Inc. Polishing pads produced by an additive manufacturing process
US10875145B2 (en) 2014-10-17 2020-12-29 Applied Materials, Inc. Polishing pads produced by an additive manufacturing process
US10953647B2 (en) 2017-01-06 2021-03-23 International Business Machines Corporation Methods and systems for detecting and rectifying faults in 3D printing processes
US20180304539A1 (en) 2017-04-21 2018-10-25 Applied Materials, Inc. Energy delivery system with array of energy sources for an additive manufacturing apparatus
US11072050B2 (en) 2017-08-04 2021-07-27 Applied Materials, Inc. Polishing pad with window and manufacturing methods thereof
CN109532019A (zh) * 2017-09-22 2019-03-29 三纬国际立体列印科技股份有限公司 三维打印装置及其液槽

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6175422B1 (en) * 1991-01-31 2001-01-16 Texas Instruments Incorporated Method and apparatus for the computer-controlled manufacture of three-dimensional objects from computer data
US5746844A (en) * 1995-09-08 1998-05-05 Aeroquip Corporation Method and apparatus for creating a free-form three-dimensional article using a layer-by-layer deposition of molten metal and using a stress-reducing annealing process on the deposited metal
US20040231594A1 (en) * 2001-06-01 2004-11-25 Edwards Charles O. Microdeposition apparatus
JP5691155B2 (ja) * 2009-11-10 2015-04-01 ソニー株式会社 立体造形物の造形方法及び造形装置
US8460755B2 (en) * 2011-04-07 2013-06-11 Stratasys, Inc. Extrusion-based additive manufacturing process with part annealing
DE102011119340A1 (de) * 2011-11-25 2013-05-29 Arburg Gmbh + Co. Kg Vorrichtung zur Herstellung eines dreidimensionalen Gegenstandes mit einer Druckerzeugungseinheit

Cited By (22)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11446788B2 (en) 2014-10-17 2022-09-20 Applied Materials, Inc. Precursor formulations for polishing pads produced by an additive manufacturing process
US11745302B2 (en) 2014-10-17 2023-09-05 Applied Materials, Inc. Methods and precursor formulations for forming advanced polishing pads by use of an additive manufacturing process
US11958162B2 (en) 2014-10-17 2024-04-16 Applied Materials, Inc. CMP pad construction with composite material properties using additive manufacturing processes
US11724362B2 (en) 2014-10-17 2023-08-15 Applied Materials, Inc. Polishing pads produced by an additive manufacturing process
US11964359B2 (en) 2015-10-30 2024-04-23 Applied Materials, Inc. Apparatus and method of forming a polishing article that has a desired zeta potential
US11986922B2 (en) 2015-11-06 2024-05-21 Applied Materials, Inc. Techniques for combining CMP process tracking data with 3D printed CMP consumables
US11772229B2 (en) 2016-01-19 2023-10-03 Applied Materials, Inc. Method and apparatus for forming porous advanced polishing pads using an additive manufacturing process
US10214003B2 (en) * 2016-09-02 2019-02-26 Xyzprinting, Inc. 3D printing method implemented by movable platform
US20180126634A1 (en) * 2016-11-10 2018-05-10 MTU Aero Engines AG Method for enhancing the finish of additively-manufactured components
US11104068B2 (en) * 2016-11-10 2021-08-31 MTU Aero Engines AG Method for enhancing the finish of additively-manufactured components
US11602421B2 (en) 2017-05-19 2023-03-14 Structo Pte Ltd Method and apparatus for forming a plurality of orthodontic aligners
US10575925B2 (en) * 2017-05-19 2020-03-03 Structo Pte Ltd Method and apparatus for forming an orthodontic aligner
US11471999B2 (en) 2017-07-26 2022-10-18 Applied Materials, Inc. Integrated abrasive polishing pads and manufacturing methods
US11980992B2 (en) 2017-07-26 2024-05-14 Applied Materials, Inc. Integrated abrasive polishing pads and manufacturing methods
US11524384B2 (en) 2017-08-07 2022-12-13 Applied Materials, Inc. Abrasive delivery polishing pads and manufacturing methods thereof
US11370185B2 (en) 2018-01-11 2022-06-28 E-Vision Smart Optics, Inc. Three-dimensional (3D) printing of electro-active lenses
US11633908B2 (en) * 2018-03-02 2023-04-25 Formlabs, Inc. Latent cure resins and related methods
US11685014B2 (en) 2018-09-04 2023-06-27 Applied Materials, Inc. Formulations for advanced polishing pads
US11732151B2 (en) * 2020-01-07 2023-08-22 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Reversible aminal gel compositions, methods, and use in three-dimensional printing
US20210206983A1 (en) * 2020-01-07 2021-07-08 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Reversible aminal gel compositions, methods, and use in three-dimensional printing
US11806829B2 (en) 2020-06-19 2023-11-07 Applied Materials, Inc. Advanced polishing pads and related polishing pad manufacturing methods
US11878389B2 (en) 2021-02-10 2024-01-23 Applied Materials, Inc. Structures formed using an additive manufacturing process for regenerating surface texture in situ

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2015055550A1 (fr) 2015-04-23
EP3057775A1 (fr) 2016-08-24

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20160271869A1 (en) Device for printing a three-dimensional structure
EP2668021B1 (fr) Dispositif de fabrication d'un objet
EP3426470B1 (fr) Procédé et appareil de fabrication
US10583645B2 (en) System and method for printing three-dimensional objects
EP3294528B1 (fr) Appareil et procédé de fabrication d'additif
US9463597B2 (en) Method for printing a three-dimensional structure, method for controlling a print head and printed article
JP5960156B2 (ja) インクジェット装置及び液滴測定方法
KR20200094800A (ko) 분말 분배를 이용한 적층 제조
KR102376975B1 (ko) 워크피스 상에 점성 매체를 분사하기 위한 장치 및 방법
CN101351276A (zh) 液滴涂布装置
WO2014176365A4 (fr) Techniques de mesure de gouttelettes d'encre d'impression et de commande de dépôt de fluides dans des tolérances précises
TWI795648B (zh) 用於在噴墨印刷中進行基板對位及錨定的方法與設備
US20220328336A1 (en) Apparatus for substrate registration and anchoring in inkjet printing
EP3083212B1 (fr) Procédé d'impression d'une structure tridimensionnelle de guidage de lumière
TW202027199A (zh) 具有基板平整度檢測之噴墨列印機
US11329003B2 (en) Anchoring dies using 3D printing to form reconstructed wafer
JP2019150817A (ja) インクジェット装置、およびそれを用いた機能素子の製造方法
KR20130113303A (ko) 진공 증착 장치 및 그 증착원
JP2010131562A (ja) 液滴噴射塗布装置及び塗布体の製造方法
WO2018070177A1 (fr) Procédé de formation d'un film de revêtement et dispositif de revêtement par jet d'encre
JP4260162B2 (ja) 有機ｅｌ表示装置の製造装置

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: LUXEXCEL HOLDING B.V., NETHERLANDS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:VAN DE VRIE, RICHARD;BISKOP, JORIS;BLOMAARD, RICARDO;SIGNING DATES FROM 20160412 TO 20160426;REEL/FRAME:038544/0427

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION